Cheltenham November Meeting 2026 Preview: Jonbon, Meetmebythesea and the Big Races

The 2026 Cheltenham November Meeting gets underway this weekend, with three days of top-class National Hunt racing taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th November.

One of the most popular fixtures in the British Jump racing calendar, the meeting features several major contests, including the Shloer Chase, Paddy Power Gold Cup and Greatwood Hurdle.

With some of the sport’s leading horses, trainers and jockeys expected to compete, attention will also turn towards potential contenders for the 2027 Cheltenham Festival.

Jonbon Targets Third Shloer Chase Victory on Friday

The action begins with Countryside Day on Friday 13th November, where the Grade 2 Shloer Chase is the standout contest.

Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon is among seven entries for the two-mile contest as he looks to secure a third victory in the race, having previously won in 2023 and 2024.

The 10-year-old was denied a hat-trick last November when Dan Skelton’s L’Eau Du Sud emerged victorious. However, with last year’s winner absent from the entries, Jonbon has an opportunity to reclaim his title.

Potential opposition includes Joe Tizzard’s JPR One, Harry Fry’s Gidleigh Park and Skelton’s Calico, with the race scheduled for 2:20pm.

Friday’s programme also includes the Listed Paddy Power Novices’ Chase and the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, providing further opportunities for emerging talent to impress.

The opening day will also feature the Jilly Cooper Veterans’ Handicap Chase, introduced to replace the Cross Country Chase.

Meetmebythesea Heads Paddy Power Gold Cup Contenders

Saturday 14th November is the biggest day of the meeting, with the Paddy Power Gold Cup scheduled for 2:20pm.

The prestigious Premier Handicap Chase, contested over approximately two and a half miles, has attracted several leading contenders, including Cheltenham Festival winner Meetmebythesea.

Trained by Ben Pauling, the six-year-old enjoyed an impressive novice campaign and secured victory in the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Meetmebythesea is among the leading contenders for Saturday’s contest, although he could face a significant challenge from Dan Skelton’s Madara, who also enjoyed success at the Festival earlier this year.

Madara won the Plate Handicap Chase in March and is among several entries for Skelton, who will be looking to add another Paddy Power Gold Cup victory to his record.

The trainer enjoyed success in the 2025 renewal when Panic Attack, ridden by Harry Skelton, defeated Vincenzo to claim the prestigious prize.

Other potential contenders include Blueking d’Oroux, July Flower and Matata, with 19 horses remaining at the latest confirmation stage.

Saturday also features two important Grade 2 novice contests, including the Paddy Power Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase, where Old Park Star and Kabral Du Mathan are among the notable names.

Greatwood Hurdle Headlines Carnival Sunday

The meeting concludes on Sunday 15th November with Carnival Sunday, headlined by the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at 3:10pm.

The two-mile contest has attracted 24 remaining entries, with Harry Fry’s Idaho Sun among the leading contenders.

The six-year-old impressed last season, winning all three of his starts over hurdles, including the Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in December 2025.

However, his participation could depend on ground conditions, with the possibility of firmer going creating uncertainty ahead of final declarations.

Dan Skelton also has several potential runners, including Let It Rain and Harry Lowes, while Welsh Champion Hurdle winner Pioneer Pete is another contender worth watching.

The Greatwood Hurdle regularly attracts competitive fields and provides a valuable early-season test for horses who could feature in major handicap hurdles later in the campaign.

Cheltenham November Meeting Offers Early Clues for the 2027 Festival

Beyond this weekend’s results, the November Meeting offers trainers an opportunity to assess their horses ahead of the biggest fixtures of the National Hunt season.

Performances in the Shloer Chase, Paddy Power Gold Cup and the weekend’s novice races could influence plans for the coming months, particularly as preparations continue for the 2027 Cheltenham Festival.

The Festival takes place from Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th March 2027, featuring four days of championship racing, including the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Before then, Cheltenham’s November Meeting promises three competitive days of Jump racing, with established stars and emerging contenders looking to make their mark at Prestbury Park.

Eventmasters, an official hospitality supplier to Cheltenham Racecourse, is offering exclusive Private Box hospitality for Carnival Sunday, providing racegoers with premium facilities and excellent views of the action.